HR practices for a post-Covid workplace

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The employees at Diageo India who are also new parents can now take a 26-week parental leave, comprising all benefits and bonuses, irrespective of their gender or sexual orientation.

The policy covers surrogacy, biological conception, and adoption.

Parents can avail of the leave anytime within 12 months of the birth/ adoption of the child as per the policy which is in effect from July 30.

“Every employee is encouraged to equally focus on the joy of raising a new family; while continuing to thrive at work, ensuring that they can spend quality time and bond with their child,” Aarif Aziz, chief human resources officer at Diageo India said according to a report in The Times of India.

Liberal policies

Corporate India has been framing progressive policies to mitigate the pains and sufferings caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Work from home has been the most visible trend in human resources policies. Even as the second wave is subsiding gradually, corporate firms are not yet back to work in the office. Many are contemplating a hybrid work practice— three days of work at the office and two-day work from home. Working mothers are one of the great beneficiaries of work-from-home (WFH) as it helps to maintain a work-life balance.

Almost two-thirds of companies that took part in a recent survey are putting in place relocation policies as they evaluate remote work models that will allow employees to work-from-anywhere (WFA) even after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Work from anywhere

After WFH, work-from-anywhere (WFA) is catching up fast. Leaders in IT, telecom, and financial services are exploring WFA possibility for certain roles provided strong network security is offered.

According to one study, employees, particularly those in small towns, are so comfortable with WFH facility that they plan to quit the job if they are mandatorily required to work from office.

Another area where employees have found an advantage is, of course, vaccination. With companies organising the availability of vaccines, many have been inoculated on a priority basis amid the severe shortage of vaccines.

According to a Harvard Business Review report, “benefit equity is at the top of mind for many employers” now.

New York Times reported that Google has been designing Team Pods, and has created a new type of meeting room, called Campfire, where employees can sit in a circle with huge screens for video conferences. It is also building outdoor leisure spots.

Mumbai-based Django Digital while asking employees to return to work, has set aside a day in the week, which was christened mental health day off.